(NaturalNews) Former oncologist and hematologist Dr. Farid Fata was one of Michigan's most respected physicians. His private cancer clinic was once connected to Detroit's Crittenton Hospital Cancer Center, positioning him in an ideal place to receive the hospital's cancer patient referrals. But Fata took advantage of the arrangement and ended up violating the trust of hundreds of patients.

Fata kept his patients on endless chemotherapy treatments, regardless of whether or not they actually had cancer or a chance at survival. He over-billed insurance companies for these unnecessary treatments, defrauding the government out of $17 million.

Fata was only caught after the physician assistant he employed noticed something very wrong about his practice. In July, Fata was sentence to 45 years in federal prison.

But the pain and suffering he caused continue. The following statements were submitted to the U.S. Attorney's Office by victims and their families, detailing their horrifying experiences with Fata:

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

"Since my discovery (8 Aug 2013) of receiving prolonged over treatments (78 cycles too much, and/or 1 year and 3 months) with chemotherapy and numerous other toxic unnecessary infusions (zommeta, iron shots, neulasta, rituxan, and ferehame) administered by Dr. Fata ... nurses ... told me that I was actually "o-ding from toxic treatments." When all along, my cancer was gone. ... I'm withdrawn from society and I don't trust doctors at all. My eyesight had been damaged ... my teeth are becoming loose, and gums are painfully sore and inflamed. I just want me back. I live in fear every day, unknowingly [sic] what organs will eventually shut down due to the prolonged over treatments." (Patient C.B.)

"He [Fata] ... determined that I had Myelodyspastic Syndrome (MDS) and put me on Vidaza chemotherapy ... [and] Neulasta . ... Dr. Fata told me initially that I would need treatments for six months; however, when this time came, he informed me that I would need treatments for the rest of my life. Consequently, I continued to receive treatments for about 6-1/2 years until he was arrested. ... Upon learning of Dr. Fata's indictment, I went to another ... Oncologist ... after studying my history ... he determined that I did not need further Chemo or the Neulasta shots. During the years of treatment by Dr. Fata I suffered from many side effects. ... Currently my ability to walk normally has become very difficult because of neuropathy in my legs, feet and arms. (Patient H.G.)

"My wife was falsely and, wrongfully treated by Dr. Farid Fata. ... Fata gave my wife a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome ... which she did not have. ... From the beginning of his horrible diagnosis, which was presented to us as terminal, I begin to feel a sense of helplessness. ... I'm going to loss my soulmate. I had retired and had planned on having a fun active life together. ... All this seemed shattered. This caused me ... to battle with depression. ... I also began smoking cigarettes and drinking. ... The emotional breakdown of our relationship is the hardest for me to cope with now. ... We took a rushed Disney trip to make memories for our family. I watched as if it was surreal as my wife gave away all the things she thought people close to her would want to remember her ... we felt hopeless and in despair. (Michael Hester, Husband of Patient Patricia Hester)

"When I found out that [she] had Myelodysplatic Syndrome ... I was inconsolable. I feel [sic] into a deep depression. I felt like I couldn't go on. ... I cried myself to sleep almost every night. Those years we thought [she] was sick were the worst years of my life. We will never get those years back. ... Then I found out that Dr. Fata had purposely had her believe she was dying. I became very angry, the years of sadness ... had taken over our lives." (Writer Requested Anonymity, Family Member of Patient)

Rituximab (Rituxan) patients

[Fata] told [me] I had (ITP), and was subsequently put on chemotherapy immediately thereafter. ... After Dr. Fata's arrest, I obtained another Hematologist and discovered I did not need chemotherapy and his direction and prognosis was fabricated. ... I will never be the same. ... It has be[en] extremely painful both physically and emotionally for me and emotionally for my wife and daughter. My future doesn't look promising or bright to me. I have a permanent illness, with a daily fight." (Writer Requested Anonymity)

"I was treated by fata from February 2009 to July of 2013 ... after the seventh chemo treatment ... I was in remission. ... I was given ... rituxan treatments six weeks on six weeks off for two years that totaled around 52 treatments that I should have never had. They say the rituxan destroys your immune system. When I contacted the NCI they told me that no one should ever receive back to back rituxan treatments and no more than sixteen treatments in a one year period. ... All the hours of waiting in his office to see him for five minutes. ... Now my bones hurt all the time I'm sick all winter long because I can't even fight off a cold. ... I have problems with my hands and wrist they hurt all the time." (Patient Tim Parkin Sr.)